RECTIVERTER – The new term in voltage converters

An innovative development of a voltage converter from grid input to power AC and DC load consumers for critical systems, industrial applications, and communication systems

ELTEK, represented by Advice, specializes in the development and production of some of the most advanced power systems in the world for the industrial, maritime, and communications markets. This year, the company introduced its flagship product, the ECTIVERTER, which earned them the Innovation Award for 2016.

The new product revolutionizes the concept of power and backup systems, offering an ideal solution to the long-standing industry challenge of simultaneous power supply to systems that operate from both AC voltage and DC voltage loads. In regular operation, when AC power is available from both sources simultaneously—the AC grid and a DC voltage source—the unit directs the AC grid voltage to the AC loads, while the DC loads (DC BUS) are powered by the external DC voltage source. When the AC grid fails, the unit converts the DC BUS voltage to AC to continue powering the AC loads seamlessly. Meanwhile, the DC loads continue to receive power from the DC BUS without interruption.

This architecture also allows for the connection of an external backup battery to supply power to both the AC and DC loads during the backup period. This setup functions similarly to a conventional UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), but with half the volume, and boasts an efficiency greater than 95% in all operational modes. The system is flexible, enabling users to expand power supply capacity for consumers by connecting multiple units in parallel or using a balanced three-phase network configuration.

The base unit is suitable for integration into a standard 19-inch rack enclosure with a height of U1, allowing the installation of up to three units, with an AC power supply module for single-phase or balanced three-phase networks.

As mentioned, the innovation in this product lies in the integration of three essential components, which, in current solutions, are separate units that require external wiring for system connections. The integrated units in the RECRIVERTER are:

AC to DC power supply: This subunit provides a DC output that serves both to power the load and to charge the backup battery, transforming the unit into a complete UPS system when combined with the external battery.
DC to AC converter: This converts the DC BUS voltage to AC for powering the AC loads.
Smart Static Bypass Switch: This enables the supply of AC voltage to the load from the grid or automatic switching to supply AC power from the DC BUS converter in case of a grid failure.

The system ensures a continuous power supply to both loads during both the presence and absence of the AC grid, according to the battery backup duration. The product is available in four configurations, two for 220V AC, 50Hz with a power output of 1500VA on the AC line and either 1200W or 150W on the DC BUS line. Two other configurations are available for 115V AC, 60Hz with 900VA on the AC line and 600W on the DC BUS.

Typical Applications:

Simultaneous Operation of AC and DC Consumers: One Rectiverter unit, combined with an external backup battery, serves as a power source for both AC and DC consumers in the presence of an electrical grid. When the grid fails, the power supply to both lines continues for the duration of the battery’s capacity.
Classic AC UPS System: One Rectiverter unit, combined with an external backup battery, acts as a classic UPS. In the presence of AC power, the AC loads are powered directly from the grid, while the battery is continuously charged. In case of grid failure, the DC BUS, backed by the battery, supplies the converter, ensuring a smooth and continuous supply to the AC load.
Hybrid System for AC and DC Consumers Powered by a Generator and Solar Panel: The system, in this case, uses a Rectiverter unit to provide backup for the DC BUS powered by a solar panel and backup battery. The system can supply both AC and DC consumers from the DC BUS in three operation modes:
- In the presence of the generator and solar panel (during daylight hours).
- With either the generator or solar panel as the sole source.
- When both sources are unavailable, the system operates for the duration of the battery’s capacity.

For 220V AC, 50Hz, the basic unit can serve as a 1500VA power source. A 19-inch U1-sized drawer housing three such units can back up loads up to 6000VA, and in a three-phase network, it can back up up to 18000VA. Multiple units can be connected in parallel for higher power requirements, fully balanced among them. An additional application could handle the backup of a three-phase network along with a DC supply line backup (48V).